March 28, 2006

Appreciation for soldiers

I was in the Atlanta airport this afternoon on my way back to Fort LMC after yet another Reserve conference. At least thirty soldiers in ACUs were crossing the main food court area, all carrying duffel bags. Someone in the crowd started clapping and in a moment everyone joined in. The clapping continued until the last soldier exited the food area.

Last time I flew (8/05) happened to be through Atlanta as well. 4 soldiers were just back and had finished their debriefing and were going home. They were at the ESPN bar and they could not buy a drink or a meal. Guys were crowding around them, saying thanks, saying the next round is on me, or buy something for your kids before you get home. I talked with a guy from Texas (born in Guatamala and immigrated) who had a son at home he had never held. He was very excited to get back to his family. I think most of us 40ish, overweight guys who talked with them really felt that we were inadequate, and certainly in their debt in a very real way that a few beer could never repay. But it was a start.

It is heartwarming to hear this goes on even after 3 years of constant negitivity by the MSM(may they burn in hell). Anyone reading this who has served, I would like to say THANK YOU and don't let the bastards get you down.

When I was returning from the Gulf after Desert Storm me and a buddy were out of smokes. The terminals set aside for military returns at La Guardia had everything but cigarettes, so we asked for directions and went to a kiosk. We came out of a door and ordered and as we turned to go back - everyone started applauding us and I got a kiss from a very lovely girl.

There is no way to describe it. My wedding day and the birth of my children are the only things that top it.

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